India vs Sri Lanka, July 30th, Dambulla

India’s batting failed to adjust to the slow nature of the Dambulla wicket and the top order was quickly sent back to the pavilion. VVS Laxman had to sit out of the match because of a stiff back, and his experience was missed at the top, especially with Yuvraj looking vulnerable to the moving ball. Sehwag began as if it was going to be another romp in the park by creaming three fours of Lokuhettege’s first international over. But Maharoof, who was bowling inswingers all along surprised him with a perfectly pitched leg cutter that opened him up and took out the off stump. It was a very impressive opening spell by Maharoof and he received good support from Lokuhettege, who castled Dhoni. In the first 15 overs they really setup the game for Sri Lanka. This was complemented by beautiful bowling by Murali which ensured that Lanka was always on top. India's debutant Suresh Raina was shaping to cut his first ball but was foxed by a fast doosra from Murali and was caught plumb in front. Kaif succumbed to the slow pitch and offered a tame catch to mid on, off Fernando.

It was left to a rear guard action from Dravid and the second debutant, Venugopala Rao, to build the only decent partnership of the Indian innings. Rao was also struggling to pick Murali’s doosra but Attapattu erred by removing Murali from the attack when India were on the mat and let Arnold and Dilshan bowl some unnecessary overs. Dravid and Rao toiled away and added valuable runs. The Sri Lankan captain’s largesse was highlighted when Murali was brought back in the 44^th over and he immediately took 2 wickets in 2 balls, snaring Rao with another doosra. Rao played well, nudging and pushing the ball around, but it was more of a teaser knock and one was left waiting for him to open his shoulders. Incredibly enough Murali was removed from the attack again, and Harbhajan and Zaheer Khan added an additional 43 runs for the 9^th wicket and India scrambled to 205. Maybe Attapatu wanted a challenging score to chase?

Dravid quickly realized that bowling Sri Lanka out was the only way to win the match and attacked continuously with his four main bowlers and aggresive field placements. Sangakkara was playing beautifully off his pads and got stuck into some loose balls from Khan, but Pathan who was bowling a very good line trapped him leg before to get the first breakthrough. Raina then made up for his first ball duck with a brilliant pick up and throw from square leg to run out Marvan Attapatu. He looks like an excellent fielder, with an extremely quick arm and is almost as athletic as Kaif. Dravid maintained the pressure and good bowling by all the frontline bowlers especially Bhajji ensured that none of the Lankan batsman converted any of their starts to big scores. India kept taking wickets to remain in the game, but Jayasuriya who was batting down the order because of a dislocated shoulder, an injury sustained while fielding, had enough experience to take his side home. He received good support from the lower order including a stunning cameo from ‘Loco’ Loku and solid batting from Maharoof . Even after all these years, Jayasuriya still remains the only proven matchwinner with the bat in this Lankan team. Theoretically, this should make it easier for India to beat Lanka but today, he was too good even with only half a shoulder.

What was impressive was how easily Dravid has stepped into the leadership role. On display today, was a captain’s knock while batting and aggressive field placements while defending a small total. He absorbed the pressures of captaincy like a sponge and seems to be thriving under the responsibility. The entire team responded to him and always looked to be bowling to a specific plan. Too early to say anything about the coach and Chappell’s effect can be measured only after the series, but Dravid has made an immediate impact.